BajaNomad

visas

jimbobros - 6-29-2023 at 08:21 AM

traveling south in October to Mulege with an early am cross of 3am, since Vagabundos dosent provide Visas how difficult is it to get them at that time and there will be 8 of us?

AKgringo - 6-29-2023 at 08:55 AM

I'm sorry I can't provide any useful answer for you, but those who do know what happens at that hour will probably want to know which border crossing you intend to use.

I assume you are talking about getting the FMM, rather than an actual visa?

[Edited on 6-29-2023 by AKgringo]

David K - 6-30-2023 at 05:06 AM

Not every border is open 24 hours. The INM office/ desk is supposed to be manned the same hours as the border. However, the immigration officer on duty may be in a back room or ??

Even if Vags or Discover Baja were selling FMMs now, they are invalid without being stamped at the border!

Park at the first building on the border... the parking area is usually signed 'something to declare' and may be before the electric gates or immediately after.

Naturally, it is not wise to drive in the dark, but if you are comfortable doing so, traffic is very light. Good luck and let us know how it went for you!

bajapedro - 6-30-2023 at 06:17 AM

Usually cross at Mexicali around 4-4:30 AM. sometimes INM officer is at kiosk asking if you need a FFM, sometimes you have to wake them up. sometimes, no-one there.

SFandH - 6-30-2023 at 06:32 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jimbobros  
traveling south in October to Mulege with an early am cross of 3am


I wouldn't use any of the crossings at 3 AM. You'll be driving in northern Baja in the early morning darkness. It's not a safe place at 3 AM, especially in the cities. Lots of bad guys.

Wait for daylight.

jimbobros - 6-30-2023 at 06:33 AM

Yes getting the FMM planning on San Isidro crossing at 3am then when arriving Ensenada the sun is coming up.Then making it to San Ignacio by 6.30 for overnight then early to Mulege.David this is Jim Evans if you have my phone number still could you call me. Thanks

boe4fun - 6-30-2023 at 06:57 AM

If crossing at San Ysidro stay in the far right lane (declare lane), explain to the official that you have nothing to declare but just need to get your FMM’s, then drive to the far end and park and then walk back to the immigration office and get the FMM’s. Easy peasy, process takes just a few minutes, pay the fees right there. Supposed to be open 24/7.



[Edited on 6-30-2023 by boe4fun]



[Edited on 6-30-2023 by boe4fun]

wilderone - 7-1-2023 at 08:03 AM

You should change your plans a little bit. Cross about 5:30 am - you will all get a few more hours of sleep before you hit the road. And then stay at Cielito Lindo hotel the first night. Then start about 7:00 after breakfast, and get all the way to Mulege before dark - sunset is about 6:30 pm. OR If you want to enjoy San Ignacio - and you should - stay a night there. Head in to Mulege the next day. Much more enjoyable than spending so much time in the car. No need to rush.

jimbobros - 7-3-2023 at 06:41 AM

thanks for information,how is overnight parking there we will have two trucks with boats and all our stuff in bed of trucks?

SFandH - 7-3-2023 at 06:50 AM

Are you going through San Felipe or staying on highway 1 the entire trip?

jimbobros - 7-3-2023 at 04:02 PM

HWY1 all the way

SFandH - 7-3-2023 at 04:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jimbobros  
HWY1 all the way


I don't know how familiar you are with HWY 1, but Catavina is about 1/2 way from the border to Mulege (around 350 miles), and there is a good hotel with safe parking there. A beautiful area too.




[Edited on 7-3-2023 by SFandH]

mtgoat666 - 7-3-2023 at 04:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jimbobros  
HWY1 all the way


Hwy 5 is faster, and a lot easier if towing.

wilderone - 7-3-2023 at 08:04 PM

Overnight parking at Cielito Lindo hotel? There is an RV parking area that is gated. If there's room, that would be the most secure. Should call and see. Generally speaking, you should take precautions with cargo nets, bring gear inside your room, etc. Don't know about the boats - or risk if you end up parking on the street in San Ignacio?

BajaMama - 7-6-2023 at 07:53 AM

I agree with others, Hwy 5 better. But if you go Hwy 1 I recommend staying Baja Cactus in El Rosario - they have gated overnight parking. You can purchase and print your FMMs using the government site, be sure to print both copies of the receipts. If you do this all you have to do is get the forms stamped at the border and don't have to worry about the bank being open. I also agree that crossing that early in the morning is an invitation for trouble.

[Edited on 7-6-2023 by BajaMama]

jimbobros - 7-9-2023 at 06:09 PM

Thanks for information! Looks like Mexicali west our best option! Is it possible to make it to Mulege in one day if crossing at 5am?

SFandH - 7-9-2023 at 08:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jimbobros  
Is it possible to make it to Mulege in one day if crossing at 5am?


It will take 15 hours or so. IMHO, that's a bad plan. Spend a night in Guerrero Negro.

David K - 7-10-2023 at 04:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jimbobros  
Thanks for information! Looks like Mexicali west our best option! Is it possible to make it to Mulegé in one day if crossing at 5am?


Easily, provided there are no breakdowns. I am guessing about 10 hours, plus one, for the loss of an hour going into Mountain Time Zone.

If it was anyone else, I would concur with SFandH to not put so many hours into the drive. However, since you spend so much of your life down there, you know the hazards and the reasons.

I will dig up that Mexicali West to Hwy. 5 near Costco direction chart we talked about...

jimbobros - 7-10-2023 at 05:42 AM

thanks again for input, and thanks amigo for your help with maps i sent you my email.